TRIBUTES have been paid to a Kington Town Football Club hero who has died aged 82.

Des Mason, who also played for Knighton and Hereford United during the 1950s and 60s, died at his Kington home on Saturday following a long illness.

As a youngster, the Knighton-born Des excelled at athletics, winning his first medal at the age of nine.

As a footballer, he played for Knighton’s junior and senior teams before playing for the RAF during National Service.

After returning home, Des had trials for Manchester City, Newport County, Shrewsbury Town and Tottenham Hotspur but remained loyal to his local teams, playing for Hereford United reserves before joining Kington for 10 years.

His career looms large in the history of local footbal.

During his playing prime with Kington he cut an impressive figure scoring hundreds of goals, including more than 100 in one season and 75 in another.

He was fiercely proud of never being cautioned or sent off by a referee for foul play.

Paying tribute, Des’s daughter Pat said: “As well as being a wonderful sportsman, Dad was immensely proud of his family and would do anything for any of us.

“He was a very fine man, an absolute gentleman who achieved such a lot during his life.”

Des, who ran his own plumbing business, retired from football in 1962, aged 33, following a cartilage operation.

In 1995, following his early retirement, he became captain of Kington Golf Club.

Des leaves his wife Enid, daughter Pat, granddaughters Katie and Rachael and great grandchildren, Nathan, Alice, Jacob, Violet and Logan.

His funeral will be at St Mary’s Church, Kington, at 1.30pm on Monday.

Donations, if desired, will be shared between Macmillan Cancer Support and St Mary’s Church Mission Support.

Call A W Hughes and Son on 01544 370217.